Liverpool-born Barton - an Everton supporter as a boy - has two years to run on his £70,000-a-week contract at recently-relegated QPR, and his chances of a permanent move to Marseille appear to have faded.

The 30-year-old spent last season at the Ligue 1 club, helping them to qualify for the Champions League, but they cannot afford to sign him permanently.

McKay told the Daily Mail: “I spoke to Roberto to see if he would be interested in taking Joey. I told him that Joey would love to join Everton and that they are the only club he willing to lose money to play for.”

But McKay has said it is possible that the midfielder could return to Marseille. "It is not the end of the story," he was quoted as saying by Le Parisien.

"Joey loved Marseille. Hope exists, even if OM seem prepared to spend €7 million on [Gilbert] Imbula and yet not make an effort for Joey."

Barton is expected to line up for QPR when they begin their Championship season at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.